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Skyline view of Quito, capital of Ecuador. It is situated on the lower slopes of the volcano Pichincha.
Quito, Pichincha
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Ecuador

Where Amazonian Adventures Await

Ecuador Vacation Packages and Tours

From the Galápagos Islands to Quito’s charm, a trip to Ecuador offers endless discovery.

Nestled on the equator in South America, Ecuador is an increasingly popular travel destination that seamlessly blends natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. The country's compact size makes it a perfect playground for adventurers seeking a variety of experiences. 

At the heart of Ecuador lies the enchanting Galápagos Islands, a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The unique flora and fauna, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas, offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness evolution in action. 

Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring volcanic landscapes offer globetrotters an immersive and otherworldly experience. 

Ecuador's mainland is home to diverse ecosystems, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the majestic peaks of the Andes. The Amazon Basin reveals an incredible biodiversity, where guided tours provide insight into the intricate ecosystems and indigenous cultures. The Andes Mountains, with their picturesque valleys and charming villages, invite hikers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The vibrant markets of Otavalo showcase traditional crafts, while the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts colonial architecture and a rich history. 

Ecuador's Pacific Coast boasts pristine beaches and quaint fishing villages, providing a laid-back contrast to the country's diverse landscapes. Adventurous travelers can explore the "Route of the Sun," a scenic coastal highway offering breathtaking views of the ocean and opportunities for water sports. 

The warm hospitality of the locals adds a special touch to the overall experience. Although it is a relatively small country, Ecuador is incredibly diverse and caters to a wide range of interests. Whether you want to explore the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos, trek through the Andes, or immerse yourself in the cultural richness of its cities. Ecuador promises a travel experience that is both memorable and enriching.

At a Glance

Population

18,220,458

Languages

Spanish, Quechua

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Capital

Quito

Places To Go

Handcrafted journeys to our most popular places to visit in Ecuador

01

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) are sunbathing in the last sunlight at the beach of Espanola island, Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
02

Quito

basilica in the old town of Quito against the backdrop of the hillside
03

The Amazon

Aerial view over the treetops of the famous amazon rainforest
04

Cuenca

The New Cathedral of Cuenca,featuring series of sky-blue cupolas, is located in front of the Central Plaza in the Parque Calderon
05

Guayaquil

Cityscape of Santa Ana Hill Church with colorful colonial housing, Las Penas district, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Enchanting Ecuador: An Adventure Lover's Haven in South America

Ecuador, a gem nestled on the equator in South America, captivates globetrotters with its diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains and the Galápagos Islands. Rich indigenous cultures, vibrant markets, and historic cities like Quito offer an enriching mix of experiences. Explore the equatorial wonders of this compact nation, where adventure and culture intertwine.

view of cotopaxi volcano overlooking Quito

Ecuador Culture

Ecuador has a rich and diverse cultural framework that showcases the country's indigenous roots, colonial history, and contemporary influences. The nation's cultural diversity is a testament to the harmonious blend of various ethnic groups, each contributing unique elements to its identity. The indigenous worldview is intertwined with a profound connection to nature, evident in rituals and festivities celebrating the agricultural calendar.

Ecuador's diverse geography contributes to regional variations in culture. Coastal communities celebrate lively music and dance influenced by Afro-Ecuadorian rhythms, while the Amazonian regions are home to indigenous groups with unique customs and spiritual practices. Modern Ecuador embraces a dynamic blend of both traditional and contemporary influences. Festivals, such as the vibrant Inti Raymi and the exuberant Carnaval, showcase the nation's zest for life and cultural diversity. From the heights of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest and the Pacific shores, Ecuador's culture is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people.

What is the visiting etiquette in Ecuador?

Ecuadorians are social and friendly, and inviting new friends to their homes to share in a meal is normal. It is acceptable to come a couple of minutes late from the agreed upon arrival time. Arrive at someone's home with a small gift in hand, a bottle of wine or some flowers. Give a hand shake with direct eye contact and a smile when seeing someone. Offering to help out in the kitchen or prepping the table for the meal is likely welcomed by the host. Be sure to join in on the conversation, Ecuadorians revel in lively table conversation and want everyone to feel welcome and included. The latest football game is always a decent topic to start with! Stick around after a meal. Oftentimes there are games to be played or a guitar to sing along to.

What is Ecuador best known for?

While the Galápagos Islands are nearly 1,100 km (680 mi) off of Ecuador’s coast, their appeal as the ultimate natural paradise has only grown over the years. Home to the most unique flora and rare species in the world, small groups of travellers have the opportunity to experience the biodiversity first hand. While wandering with a guide along the black lava rocks or white sand beaches you might encounter giant tootsies, marine iguanas, and blue footed boobies. Exploring the archipelago is a natural wonder unlike anywhere else, but it is also a highly protected area, with 98% of the land preserved as a national park. Since the 1930s the entire park has been designed to protect and converse, whilst still allowing a controlled number of travellers to experience the magic.

The architecture of Ecuador’s cities reveals the influence of the colonial era. In Cuenca, Baroque churches, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming plazas highlight the Spanish influence, adding a historical layer to the cultural narrative. The beautiful domes of the old-world Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are a particular highlight. Quito is home to some of the most well preserved historic buildings in Latin America, including the iconic Basilica del Voto Nacional and the gold-laden La Compañía de Jesús.

What are some Ecuador traditions?

Traditions, deeply rooted in the Andean highlands, play a pivotal role in shaping Ecuadorian culture. The Quichua-speaking communities maintain age-old customs preserving their ancestral heritage by making intricate handicrafts and vibrant textiles. In the town of Otavalo, the indigenous Otavaleño people have been weaving colourful textiles since pre-Incan times. They continue to manufacture highly sought after quality textiles, spun yarn, and fabrics. They are especially known for weaving a material called Otavaleño cashmere. Here you can visit their renowned market for sweaters, ponchos, skirts and other special textiles.

Despite its name, the iconic traditional Panama hat has been made in Ecuador for over hundreds of years. The classic light-coloured straw hat, with its distinctive ribbon band around the base, has become known worldwide. The hats were historically made by weaving fibres from the Carludovica Palmata, a palm-like plant. A handmade hat would typically take three months to complete, as the leaves would be boiled, then dried to prepare for the weaving. The tight distinct herringbone pattern used to weave the hats is known as cuenca, with up to 3,000 weaves per square inch.

What are Ecuadorian people like socially?

Ecuadorians are overall known to be welcoming, though the language barrier might feel limiting. They really appreciate respect and politeness. If you are interacting with a local while on vacation in Ecuador, starting the conversation with a buenos días in the morning and buenas noches during the evening is a welcomed and respectful start. There is a high level of patience among Ecuadorians, as time and punctuality are loosely followed, along with common siestas in the afternoon commonly shutting down business for a couple hours.

There is a distinct emphasis by Ecuadorians on families, with many commonly living together under one roof in a multi-generational home. Respect for elders is taken seriously, using the formal titles for someone older than you shows respect, such as señor, for men, or señora, for women. A lot of time is spent socializing with family, though welcoming friends old and new into the group is also common.

What language is spoken in Ecuador?

The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. There are also over 20 indigenous languages recognized, with Quechua being the most common. Travellers will find little English spoken beyond small phrases, though staff in the tourism industry may know some. Learning a handful of Spanish phrases would be helpful, along with downloading a translation app. Greetings to learn could include hola (hello), buenos días (good morning) and buenas noches (good evening).

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